Page 18

A FORTNIGHT LATER ~ AFTERNOON

Releasinga happy sigh, Araminta adjusted another book on the top shelf, where she had displayed a few of the newer books. She’d nearly unpacked all she owned and the few the townspeople had generously donated to the library.

“Let me help you.”

Dariusspoke from directly behind her, his melodic baritone washing over her like cool silk. Goose pimples raised along her arms, and she nearly dropped the book she’d just picked up.

Sheshouldn’t have such a strong physical reaction to him. Neither should she be so happy to see him.

“Good heavens, my lord.” Laughing, she turned toward Darius. “You startled me. I didn’t know you had returned.”

Hemust have come in the back door. The bell above the main entrance would have tinkled had he come in that way.

Aroguish smile tipped his lips upward, and Araminta was hard-pressed not to stare at his mouth.

“I’ve been in my office,” he said.

She’dbeen so absorbed in her task that she hadn’t heard him.

Orhad she not known of his return because, holding a volume of LordByron’s satirical poem DonJuan as her dancing partner, she had been humming the TyroleseWaltzand swaying about the library section?

Please don’t let it be so.

However, the merriment twinkling in his eyes scorched that futile hope to cinders.

Dariushad seen her acting the romantic ninny.

Perfectlywonderful.

Hetook the book from her hand and set it on the shelf.

Asthe store wasn’t open for business yet, it was just the two of them again. Several times over the past weeks, they’d been alone together. A comfortable comradery had sprung up between them, and with each passing day, she anticipated the few hours in the library with increased excitement.

“MayI have this dance?” He held out his hand.

Sheshould say no.

Toaccept was untenable.

Aramintaeyed him skeptically, longing to place her hand in his, yet knowing she was ten kinds of a fool if she did.

“I thought you wanted to help, my lord.”

Liftinga broad shoulder, he gave her another rakish smile. “After we dance.”

Thistime, she curled her toes in her shoes to prevent herself from rushing into his arms. She glanced at the window. “Someone might see.”

“Not if we stay back here.” He clasped her hand, drew her nearer, and began humming near her ear.

Howcould she refuse?

Shewas only human, after all.

AndAraminta wanted to dance with Darius.

Morethan anything.

Theyswayed and turned to the music as he hummed. She lost track of time, fully engrossed in the moment. She never wanted this to end. For a few minutes, she could pretend that he was hers…not Eudora’s.